Cyberstein Robots to perform on Chinese stage

Cyberstein Robots, the Newquay company responsible for creating giant performing robots including Titan the Robot, has secured its first contract in China worth £250,000, with support from the Department for International Trade (DIT).  

The business, which recently celebrated its 15th birthday, designs and manufactures robots at its site in Newquay. The robots are hired out for a huge array of corporate and private events in countries ranging from the UAE to Japan, with exports now making up 60% of the company’s annual turnover. The new contract will see Li Xuan Technology, which is based in Shanghai, lease its own Titan to hire out across China.

Titan is an eight-foot, partially-mechanised robot costume that has shared a stage with international celebrities including Rihanna and Will Smith, as well as appearing in Plan B’s music video for single Guess Again.

DIT helped Cyberstein to launch in China by inviting the business on a trade mission to the country earlier this year. As part of the trip, the business attended the Asian Attractions Expo in Shanghai, where it met future customer Li Xuan and secured its first Chinese contract. 

Cyberstein is currently developing another robot to add to its portfolio and also planning to hire an additional member of staff in Newquay to meet the increase in international demand. 

Nik Fielding, Founder and Managing Director at Cyberstein Robots, said:

“In recent years, international demand for our robots has gone through the roof. We’re particularly excited about the new partnership with Li Xuan Technology as we’re keen to boost our presence in China. Titan’s fast becoming a well-known name in the country, especially since performing at the Grand Prix Formula 1 in Shanghai this year.

“Working with customers internationally can sometimes be difficult and initially we encountered issues with time difference and language barriers. Our connections at DIT were an enormous help, as they introduced us to the China British Business Council (CBBC) who were able to complete due diligence on any potential customers, help us to overcome language barriers, and even attend meetings on our behalf.

“To any business that is thinking about exporting, I’d say do it. The opportunities are huge, and if a business as niche as ours can, so can other South West firms.”

Paul Shand, DIT’s Head of Exports in the South West, said:

“It’s always a joy to work with companies as unique as Cyberstein Robots. The business has really built a name for itself, with more than 50,000 followers across its social media profiles.

“Cornwall is home to a wealth of creative and innovative businesses - it’s great to see them tapping into the demand abroad, and in turn creating employment opportunities for the region. 

“DIT has a dedicated team of International Trade Advisers, export finance managers, sector specialists and colleagues in 108 markets across the world which can help a business to kick-start its exporting journey, and we’d encourage any firm with an interest in exporting to get in touch.”

Online support, find a buyer, and export readiness tools are available at great.gov.uk, where thousands of live export opportunities are also promoted.